Barking dog helps lead police to Allegheny County burglary suspect

PITTSBURGH - Police in Allegheny County said an alert dog helped them catch a burglary suspect.

Dennis O’Brien said he knew something was wrong when Maxx, his 2-year-old cockapoo, started barking crazily at the back door.

“I would never have looked out the window if it wasn’t for him barking. He’s a great dog,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said he walked to Maxx and noticed he was barking at a man walking out of their neighbor’s house carrying a bag.

“I saw a guy walk out the back door with a bag over his shoulder,” O’Brien said. “I looked down the alley and I could see the guy walking down there with the bag, so I went and noticed (my neighbor’s) window was broken. I yelled to my wife to call 911.”

O’Brien said he thinks Maxx heard the broken glass and began barking. Police said the barking and O’Brien’s description helped them track the suspect.

Authorities identified the burglar as Roman Kulyk, 24, and tracked him to a nearby park in Morningside. After a brief struggle, a K-9 officer eventually brought Kulyk down, detectives said.

Kulyk was taken to an area hospital to be treated for his dog bite wounds, then taken to the Allegheny County Jail. He is facing several charges including burglary and resisting arrest.